tikas

Tikas, commonly rendered as tilakas or tilaka in Sanskrit, are ceremonial marks placed on the forehead in Hinduism and related traditions. The word tilaka means “mark” or “sign,” and the term tika is often used interchangeably in everyday speech in several South Asian languages. Tikas can take many forms, shapes, and colors, depending on regional practice, sect, and occasion. They are usually applied with substances such as kumkum (red vermilion), sandalwood paste, ash (vibhuti), or a combination of these.

The purpose of a tika varies with context. In religious rituals and festivals, it signifies auspiciousness, protection, and blessing. In Vaishnava communities, the tilak often consists of two vertical lines with a central space or a named symbol, reflecting devotion to Vishnu. In Shaiva traditions, a common form is a mark of ash with additional red paste or a vertical line pattern. Regional variations include single dots, curved patterns, or elaborate designs, and the coloring can indicate sectarian affiliation, devotion, or ceremonial meaning.

In Nepal and parts of India, tika refers specifically to a ceremonial red paste applied on the forehead during major celebrations such as Dashain and weddings. The tika paste is typically made from red vermilion powder mixed with water, yogurt, or rice, and it is often accompanied by the blessing of elders and the placement of jamara (sacred barley shoots). The practice symbolizes the blessing of the family and the recipient’s place within the lineage and community.

Today, tikas appear in both religious and secular contexts, serving as a visible marker of blessing, honor, or participation in a ritual. They remain a prominent element in many cultural ceremonies across the Indian subcontinent.